News

Whitewater Leads Expands Ability to Improve Literacy

WHITEWATER- September 12, 2023- Whitewater Leads is excited to announce that they are expanding their ability to improve literacy for children within the Whitewater area. 

Over the past six years, through their partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Whitewater Leads has given away over 24,000 free books to children from birth until their fifth birthday within the Whitewater area.

Through the increase of donations, Whitewater Leads was able to expand to give four elementary literacy grants last school year. The recipients of the Whitewater Leads elementary literacy grants for the 2022 – 2023 school year were Shannon Frye – kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary, Lisa Kaminski – reading interventionist at Lincoln Elementary, Jill Whitney – fifth grade teacher at Washington Elementary, and Jacquie Sedmak – fourth grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary. Shannon Frye stated, “The Whitewater Leads Grant allowed me to purchase Boogie Boards to be used in the classroom. The Boogie Boards allow students to write, draw, and trace on an easy to use and clean device. These boards are a welcome addition to our classroom to practice literacy skills and more. Boogie Boards are a liquid crystal paper and allow students to write without the need for paper or messy ink (like dry erase boards). They erase completely at the click of a button. My classroom is grateful for the purchase of these boards to enhance our literacy program.” More information about each grant winner from the 2022 – 2023 school year is available on the Whitewater Leads website, whitewater-leads.org.

This school year, Whitewater Leads plans to give away up to six literacy grants to Whitewater Unified School District staff. These grants will give WUSD students additional literacy opportunities. 

Molly Fuller, Whitewater Leads co-president stated, “ We are extremely excited to be able to expand our ability to help kids in our community. Being able to raise enough money to give away over 24,000 free books is an absolute honor. Now, to be able to give away literacy grants to help our elementary aged students is a dream come true.” 

To apply for a literacy grant worth up to $500, WUSD staff can submit their grant proposal to whitewaterleads@gmail.com. If you have a child/children who are not yet five, live in the Whitewater Unified School District area, and would like to receive free monthly books, you can sign them up at imaginationlibrary.com today. 

Whitewater Leads, Inc. works to support literacy, in all of its diverse forms, throughout and within the boundaries of the Whitewater Unified School District of Whitewater WI.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Main Street c.1920

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This view of Main Street in Whitewater dates from c.1920. One good way of dating Main Street photos is by looking at the old Commercial Bank building, left center. This building was constructed in 1914 for the new Commercial and Savings Bank, established 110 years ago in 1913. Of course, the bank became just the Commercial Bank, which more recently became the PremierBank. The bank moved from this distinctive Classical Revival building to a modern bank building designed in an even more distinctive Wrightian contemporary architectural style where it is located today.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(#5492PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituary: Kenny Kohberger, 69

Kenny Kohberger was born October 9, 1953, in Brooklyn, NY, to Regina and Edward Kohberger. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Eileen. Surviving are his brothers, Phillip and Eddie (Leslie), sister Jenny (Jerry) DeLeo, nieces and nephews Kevin (Phebe), Jeff, Chris, Danielle, Matthew, PJ, Jayden and Conner. His father taught him about life and baseball … a Yankee and Mets fan. After college, Kenny became an agent and promoter of rock and roll singers and bands. He found himself traveling in limousines around NYC and living on the upper west side in a brownstone. Later he was director at the Colonial Theater in New Hampshire, earned his first master’s degree in Illinois, then moved to Madison, WI and for 15 years was the director of the Young Auditorium and taught at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He became involved with the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton and became an Oblate of the Benedictine Sisters of Madison.

After retiring from the University in 2018, Kenny attended the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, where he graduated in 2022 with a MA in Theology. Inspired by his twenty plus years of sobriety, he developed a program based on the play Bill W. and Dr. Bob telling the story of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. With the help of Chaplain Mark Teslik, he piloted the program in the Columbia Correctional Facility in Portage, Wisconsin and in May of 2023 successfully led a four-day retreat based on Steps 1-3. The attendees were persons from a variety of twelve step programs. He was looking forward to writing four other retreats based on the remaining 12 steps, however a simple gallbladder surgery revealed a rare and aggressive cancer. Unfortunately, he died on August 26, 2023, before he could fulfill his dream. Family and his many friends loved him, but God loved him more and took him home.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI.

This Week’s Estate Sale

Estate Sale Mid Century/Vintage

Owen Gromme prints (over 30 framed, signed and numbered and 20ish unframed)  Many MCM/Vintage items. Late 1800’s East Lake pieces. Vintage table and chairs. Uranium Glass, beer glasses, wine glasses, German Steins. Beer can collection. MCM Stainless flatware. Cookware, Vintage Corelle dishes. Bakers cart, canning supplies. Christmas Decor and toys. Record collection. Tools, ladders, dressers, rototiller, Toro Power Clear 721 QZE Snowthrower. Way too much to list. Very clean estate. Thursday Sept 14th 9-6, Friday Sept 15th, 9-6, Saturday Sept 16, 9-5 and Sunday Sept 17 9-5  CASH ONLY

 N374 County Rd. N, Whitewater, WI

Swimmers Set Personal Bests Against Burlington

The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed at home against Burlington Co-Op on Tuesday, September 12. The night was filled with lots of season and lifetime PRs. 

Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Swim Team

Makayla Bazeley continues to be a power house in the pool. She went a season best time in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:00.29. She also had a first-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and won by 4 whole seconds. 

Lucy Davis dropped 32 seconds in the 500 Freestyle from last season, and she continues to drop time in the 100 Freestyle. 

Emerson Dunham continues to swim strong in her favorite events (500 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke). She started off the season with an impressive time of 6:09.22 in the 500 Freestyle. We are looking forward to see what the rest of the season has in store for her in these events. 

Georgia Esch went best times in both of her individual events including the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. 

Sanibel Fox-Simes participated in the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season. She had an incredible time drop of 41 seconds since last season. On top of dropping 41 seconds, she had just competed in the 200 Freestyle Relay then had to go right into the 100 Backstroke. What an impressive swim!

Adalynn Frye had a personal best time in the 100 Freestyle by dropping 2 seconds to go a 1:30. She continues to get stronger and more confident in her 100 Breaststroke. 

Charlotte Hajewski competed in the 200 Freestyle where she set the bar for a successful meet. Charlotte went a best time in the 100 Butterfly with a 3 second time drop going a 1:19.20. 

Maggie Maas was the only Whippet swimmer to compete the 200 IM. She went a best time in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:07.72. 

Marijose Verduzco took on the 200 Freestyle for the first time. As nervous as she was, she still showed up and competed very well. Marijose dropped nearly 10 seconds in her split of the 400 Freestyle Relay. 

Atreya Wilson went 3 for 4 in best times this season! She had an impressive time drop of 5 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke. 

Zoe Zei absolutely destroyed the 500 Freestyle! The 500 Freestyle has nothing on Zoe. We are excited to see what other events she will compete in this season. 

The Swim Team is back in Whippet Territory on Tuesday, September 19, against Badger and Platteville/Lancaster. We hope to see you all there!

Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org

Six Varsity Whippets Medal at Marshall

It was a great day for the Whippet Harriers as they traveled to Cottage Grove to compete in the Dana Waddell Invitational hosted by Marshall High School on Tuesday, September 12. After not racing for over a week, the team was chomping at the bit to toe the line and get after it. With favorable conditions and solid training going their way, the Whippets didn’t disappoint and all came away with noticeable improvement and competed well.

The boys’ varsity was led again by Jack Hefty as he broke the tape for his first-ever cross country victory. He crossed the line in 16:12. Nate Holden medaled in 6th with his first-ever sub 17:00 clocking to finish in 16:58. Miles Nickelsburg placed 11th in 17:26 to round out medalists from Whitewater. The varsity team placed 3rd out of 11 teams with 98 points. In the boys’ JV race, Isaac Straight led the team with an 8th palace medal finish in 20:21. He was followed closely behind by Wyatt Esch who placed 9th in 20:30. This team also placed 3rd with a total of 72 points. 

The girls’ race was equally impressive with significant improvement from all. Mady Hefty was the first of three medalists at this meet by placing 8th in 20:31. Athena Soto moved up to 12th late in the race to stop the clock in 20:47. Nola Coburn rounded out the medalists for the team by placing 18th with a time of 21:45. The varsity squad placed 4th out of 10 complete teams. In the girls’ JV race, Isabella Aranda took home a medal by placing 6th in 24:40. The girls’ JV team placed 3rd overall. 

Coach Carstens added, “I cannot overstate how proud I am of the way the kids competed from top to bottom. Times are fun to look at, but it is most rewarding to see them discovering how tough they really are and being fierce competitors against others on the same day. We will look to carry this mantra through the season taking it one day at a time.”

Next up for the team will be the Racine St. Catherine’s Invitational hosted at UW-Parkside on Saturday, September 16th. 

Full results: https://my.raceresult.com/260207/results

Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Our Readers Share: Photo by David Yochum

David Yochum shared this photo from the Enchanted Highway in ND. Smoke created the haze of this mid-day image. There is a whole series of sculptures along this 30+ miles of highway off of I-94.

Photo by David Yochum.

Run for Trey is Sunday Oct. 8

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Molly Fuller.

You are invited to join us for the 13th Annual “Run for Trey “ on Sunday, October 8 at Starin Park in Whitewater, WI!!  Last year we were able to give away five scholarships to SDFA seniors and plan to do the same this year. 

Through the strength of the Kilar family and the outpouring of community support, “Run for Trey” was established to support the development and maintenance of the little league field, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, and yearly local scholarships for students.  

Mary and Mike Kilar’s son, Treyton, age 6, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver on September 2, 2010. Although his dreams were shattered by a senseless tragedy, the field built in his honor provides a safe place for children and families to celebrate life and spend time together.  It is a place where children are encouraged to dream big and learn that through hard work, their dreams can become reality! 

Although Treyton is now playing on the “real” field of dreams in heaven, the fundraising efforts each year from the “Run for Trey” help thousands of other children have a better future and learn responsible life-long decision-making skills. 

You can sign up for the Run for Trey atwww.treysfield.org. The day will consist of lots of family fun activities including:

  • Run For Trey features an all terrain run/walk
    • Run onto the field at Perkins Stadium at UWW
  • Dogs welcome
  • Bounce
  • Obstacle course for the kids
  • Balloons
  • Raffle
  • Great food to enjoy!

-$20.00 Registration (Adults) – Before October 8, 2023

-$25.00 same-day registrations at the event (Adult)

-$15.00 Registration (17 & Under) – NOTE: Runsignup will discount at checkout based on birthdate.

-$20.00 same-day registrations at the event (17 & Under)*Packet pickup starts at 8 am on race day. Race starts at 10.  You can email Molly Fuller at mollyo18@me.com if you have any questions.

Discover Whitewater Series: Getting Ready for this Weekend’s Race

Editor’s Note: the following was provided by Knight Public Affairs, LLC.

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, & 5k is set for this Sunday, September 17, 2023 with the W3 Fit Kid Shuffle set for Saturday, September 16. 

On Saturday, volunteers begin to set up the course beginning at Whitewater High School where participants can start picking up their race packets from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on September 16. The W3 Fit Kid Shuffle begins at 10:00 a.m. where children under the age of 10 can participate in a free mile long run. 

On Sunday, packet pickup is also available from 6:00-7:30 a.m. with race festivities beginning at 7:45 a.m. with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey King giving the opening remarks. At 8:00 a.m. the half marathon runners begin taking off and at 8:15 a.m. the 5k runners start their race. The awards ceremony will begin once the top three runners have been certified by Runner’s Edge. 

Parking will be available at Whitewater High School and Whitewater Middle School. The DWS team will be following the flag warning system to notify runners of weather conditions: green for good conditions, yellow for less than ideal conditions, red for potentially dangerous conditions, and black for a canceled event. 

It is not too late to register as a volunteer or participant, registration closes for the event at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 17. Those who registered before September 1 will receive their DWS t-shirt on packet pickup, those who registered after the date will receive their DWS t-shirt in the mail after race day. 

The DWS team encourages the community to come out and cheer on runners as they run throughout the City of Whitewater. 

Sign up today at: https://RunWhitewater.com/.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which 

provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, and university  to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

Walworth County’s Largest Senior Resource Fair on October 5 is a Must Attend!

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Walworth County.

The Walworth County Aging Network (WCAN) will host the annual Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, October 5, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building, 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The fair will feature more than 50 vendors, health screenings, hearing testing, coffee, water, snacks, and awesome raffle prizes. The first 200 attendees will receive two free gifts and a valuable Walworth County resource directory.

“We are excited about this year’s Walworth County Senior Resource Fair,” says Walworth County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Manager Randy Kohl. “More than 50 agencies that provide services for older adults will be on hand to share information and answer questions. We have also expanded the number of health screenings Advocate Aurora Health provides.” 

The Walworth County Public Health Department will also provide information about flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccinations.

“You won’t want to miss this event,” states Kohl. “Many attendees will win valuable raffle prizes, Walworth County Cycling Without Age will provide bike rides (weather dependent) and ADRC staff will be available to assist with the completion of Power of Attorney forms.”

The Walworth County Aging Network Senior Resource Fair is open to the public with free admission and ample free parking. For more information regarding the Senior Resource Fair or the Walworth County Aging Network, visit https://bit.ly/3Z4sKuL or contact the Walworth County ADRC at (262) 741-3400.

About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.